Elder Hedge (Sambucus nigra "Elderflower Bush")

Elder Plants Description

Elder, also known as Common Elder, is a bushy deciduous shrub valued for its foliage, flowers and dark berries. Sambucus nigra has green pinnate leaves that develop pale yellow tones in autumn before falling.

In early summer, Elder produces flat sprays of fragrant, creamy-white flowers, followed by clusters of small black berries later in the year. Its flowers and berries provide seasonal interest and can attract birds and other wildlife, making Elder hedge plants a suitable choice for informal hedging and wildlife-friendly planting.

Elder grows well in full sun or partial shade and adapts to a range of soils, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers moist but well-drained conditions and can be grown in both sheltered and exposed positions.

Our Elder Hedge plants are available as bare-root and pot-grown options in a range of sizes, allowing you to choose plants according to your preferred planting density and hedge size.

Pruning Advice

Young Elder plants should be allowed to establish for the first couple of years before carrying out significant pruning.
Once established, prune in late winter or early spring to maintain the desired size and shape. Remove dead, damaged, crossing or congested branches, and cut back unwanted growth to keep the hedge manageable.

Elder tolerates hard pruning, so established plants can be cut back more heavily when necessary to control their height or encourage fresh growth from lower down the plant.

Regular pruning is particularly useful when growing Elder as a hedge, helping to maintain a compact and well-shaped appearance.

Further Information

Elder Hedge plants are available as bare-root and pot-grown plants in a range of sizes. Planting density depends on the size of the plants selected, with smaller plants generally requiring more plants per metre than larger specimens.

For the current range, we recommend 4–5 plants per metre for 40/60cm and 60/80cm plants, reducing to 3–4 plants per metre for 80/100cm and 100/125cm plants, and 3 plants per metre for 125/150cm plants. The 20/40cm pot-grown plants can be planted at 5 plants per metre.

Elder grows well in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to chalk, clay, loam and sandy soils. Keep newly planted hedges well watered while they establish, particularly during dry periods.

Frquently Asked Questions

Is Elder Hedge evergreen?

No. Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a deciduous plant, so it loses its leaves in autumn. Its flowers and dark berries provide seasonal interest during the warmer months.

How quickly does Elder Hedge grow?

Elder has an average to fast growth rate of approximately 30–60cm per year, depending on growing conditions.

How tall does Elder Hedge grow?

Elder Hedge can be maintained at approximately 1–4m with regular pruning. If left unpruned, Elder can grow considerably taller.

When should Elder Hedge be pruned?

Established Elder can be pruned in late winter or early spring to control its size and maintain the desired hedge shape.

Delivery & Returns

We offer free delivery within 50 miles of our nursery, making it easy to have your Elder hedge plants delivered directly to your property within our local delivery area.

Delivery outside the 50-mile area may be available depending on your location and order. If you are unsure whether your address falls within the 50-mile area, please contact us before ordering.

All plants are carefully prepared for delivery and are covered by our 12-month plant guarantee, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.